A Birmingham federal jury took only eight hours today to convict Alabama state Sen. E.B. McClain and the Rev. Samuel Pettagrue of money laundering, conspiracy and bribery.

File photoSen. E.B. McClain is shown in a file photo taken during a meeting in Montgomery.

McClain said the guilty verdict ended his 14-year career in the Alabama Senate. Gov. Bob Riley will set a special election to fill McClain's seat, he said.

Pettagrue's family members sobbed and hugged each other after the verdict was read. Pettagrue showed no emotion and stared straight ahead as the judge announced his guilt.

McClain briefly frowned and dropped his head as the verdict was read.

"I'm a little disappointed in the outcome," McClain said, maintaining that everything he did was legal. "Everything was above board. The fight continues. Life goes on."

"We're very pleased with the jury's conviction of Rev. Pettagrue and Senator McClain," U.S Attorney Alice Martin said. "It is time for politicians to recognize they cannot abuse the by taking public money and putting it in their pocket."

U.S. District Judge Karon Bowdre set a sentencing date of May 15. She warned both men against transferring or hiding assets to prevent the government from recovering the money involved in the scheme.

McClain, 68 and a Miles College graduate, has been a member of the Alabama Legislature since 1986. He served two terms in the House before winning his Senate seat, and he is in his fourth Senate term. He currently chairs the Business and Labor Committee.